November 11

 

Last Sunday, we started Stewardship Month by talking about "Legacy Giving" and showing the great impact that occurs when people remember the church in their estate or Will. In 2024, we will be adding names to our Tree of Life Plaque - a plaque that honors those who give to the church even in their dying. We had a handful of people who passed this year who were thoughtful enough to leave the church a generous gift. We look forward to recognizing them in the new year.

This Sunday, we continue with Stewardship Month by hearing from our Finance Chair, Temperance West We will also hear from Linda Combs, who will be talking about how Asbury and our faith community has impacted her life. Linda shared her story way back in 1999 - 24 years ago. I told Linda that we need to hear her story at least every 24 years and to plan to do it again in 2024. Ironically, Linda said that "will work out fine because my goal has always been to live to 105, and that will make me be 104. So I can do it!" I'm looking forward to people getting to hear Linda's story.

The text for tomorrow's service is a story Jesus tells that is often called, "The Parable of the Ten Virgins." It is found in Matthew 25:1-13. It is a perfect story for Stewardship Month. If you get a chance, read the story before tomorrow so you are familiar with it. The painting above depicting the story was done by artist, Ain Vares. My sermon title for Sunday is The Parable and Paradox of Oil.

There is going to be a Yard Sale today at our Thunderbolt Campus (Wesley Oak) from 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. The proceeds will go towards helping pay for a new roof on the sanctuary and/or the Joy Cottage. Come on by and see us! The church is located on the corner of Victory Drive and Mechanics Avenue.

Parents, I hope your child can be at worship with us tomorrow because I'm going to have a moment with them in the worship service to tell them about a fellow named Malcolm Mitchell. Malcom was a wide receiver for the University of Georgia Bulldogs. He then won a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots. In fact, Malcom was greatly responsible for that crazy comeback the Patriots had against the Atlanta Falcons in the Super Bowl. (So I'm a little mad at him.) Malcolm retired early from the NFL at the age of 25 and is now on a mission to encourage children to read, read, and read! You can see a picture of Malcom to the right with one of the Children's Books he has authored.

A week from tomorrow is the day we bring our Pledge Cards for our financial giving for 2024. If you are going to be out of town or if you are part of our Online Community, you can mail the Pledge Card to the church and we will put it in the offering for you. If you are part of our Online Community and do not receive our mailings and did not get a Pledge card, but would like to participate, please call the church office on Monday (912-233-4351). We will figure out a way to get the material to you or help you in some way so you can participate. Thank you to everyone in advance for participating. 

There are a lot of good reasons to love this time of the year. One of my favorite reasons is that it is when we make and sell Asbury's delicious Pecan Pies! It is also when we emphasize selling Asbury's Heavenly Honey — our own incredible honey, made by the bees at Asbury!

You can order these items on our website. I believe they may be taking orders after the service tomorrow and possibly at the Rummage Sale today. There are a limited number of pies, so be sure to get your order in.

Love & Blessings,
Billy